Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Websites
Affiliations
Timeline
Generic

Markita Smalls

Charlotte,NC

Summary

Dynamic leader with a proven track record at CrossRoads Corporation, excelling in program development and partnership cultivation. Expert in budget management and team building, I have consistently driven program success and exceeded performance outcomes. Adept at grant writing and community engagement, I foster collaboration to empower diverse populations.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Director of Programs and Life Navigation

CrossRoads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development
Charlotte, NC
04.2022 - Current
  • - Lead a multi-program portfolio focused on financial empowerment, housing access, senior support, emergency relief, transportation, and economic mobility.
  • - Develop and manage strategic plans, budgets, and growth initiatives across diverse programs.
  • - Coordinate community programs including:
  • FTHBC: Manage meeting logistics, partner coordination, participant onboarding, and DKP financial literacy enrollment.
  • The Collective: Conduct SSM, create SMART goals, monitor program progress, and facilitate partner-led workshops.
  • The Wisdom Circle: Coordinate monthly senior sessions with Thompson, oversee RSVPs and participant support.
  • DREH: Review assistance applications, coordinate payments, maintain partner communication, and provide long-term support.
  • Critical Home Repair: Oversee program budget, approve applications, coordinate contractors, and manage follow-up.
  • Ride Jaunt!: Recruit drivers, evaluate service quality, and ensure community transportation needs are met.
  • PNC Center for Financial Education: Lead workshop planning, assessments, and post-session documentation.
  • UNC Heat Mappers: Partner with Department of Earth, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences to schedule and promote focus groups, update community marketing and engagement and give feedback on focus group results.

Development Director

CrossRoads Corporation
Charlotte, NC
04.2022 - 12.2023
  • Lead the development team in planning and executing the annual fundraising event; maintained sector-specific reports, tracked donor contributions, and compiled data for grant reporting.
  • - Foster partnerships and support grant acquisition from corporate, government, and philanthropic sources.
  • Write compelling grant proposals, an to secure yearly revenue goal, manage donor portfolios.
  • - Manage office financials: Reconcile donations, and ensure accurate Salesforce and QuickBooks entries.
  • - Admin responsibilities: Monthly KPI dashboard, bi-monthly board reports, and quarterly staff evaluations.

Director, YouthBuild USA

Grace Mar Services, Inc.
Charlotte, NC
08.2019 - 04.2022
  • - Oversaw program operations for YouthBuild USA, including case management, vocational education, leadership development, and community engagement.
  • - Ensured compliance with WIOA and DOL standards; managed data reporting in the YouthBuild MIS.
  • - Built partnerships with public agencies, employers, and nonprofits to support participant success.
  • - Managed budgeting, reporting, staffing, and training.
  • - Delivered career pathways programming and coordinated youth presentations and employer engagement.
  • - Exceeded DOL performance outcomes and led internal/external evaluations.

Financial Center Manager III, AVP

Fifth Third Bank
Charlotte, NC
01.2011 - 08.2019
  • - Managed branch operations, achieving consistent 20-30% annual growth.
  • - Cultivated business relationships and oversaw HR functions including hiring, evaluations, and team development.
  • - Improved profitability, client engagement, and community outreach.
  • - Delivered executive reporting and strategy planning across financial product lines.

Branch Manager, VP

Chase Bank
Dayton, OH
07.2004 - 01.2011
  • - Directed all sales, operations, and service for high-volume branch.
  • - Drove P&L growth, customer satisfaction, team leadership, and audit performance.
  • - Maintained strong client portfolios and led cross-departmental coordination.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA) -

Antioch University McGregor
Yellow Springs, OH

AIB Small Business Banking Certification -

American Institute of Banking
Dayton, OH

Registered Notary Public -

Skills

  • Program development
  • Program management
  • Client relations
  • Cross-functional collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Sales management
  • Team building and leadership
  • Research and analysis
  • Campaign development
  • Budget management
  • Community engagement
  • Data reporting
  • Grant writing
  • Partnership development
  • Leadership development
  • Stakeholder management

Certification

  • Investment Licenses: Series 6 and 63
  • Life and Health Insurance

Affiliations

  • Princess Pearls – Member, Board of Directors

Promote and advance the organization’s mission, strategic plans, and partnership development.

  • Develop strategic growth plans and budgets; identify and support grant opportunities across foundation, government, and corporate sectors.
  • Build and oversee a donor portfolio; manage stewardship, cultivate prospects, and track contributions.
  • Write compelling, relevant, and persuasive grant proposals.
  • Lead planning and execution of development events, including Dine & Shine.
  • Supervise fundraising staff; manage performance evaluations, staffing decisions, and administrative reporting.
  • Collaborate across departments to understand program needs, gather outcomes data, and identify funding opportunities.
  • 04/2022 – Present | Charlotte, NC

Timeline

Development Director

CrossRoads Corporation
04.2022 - 12.2023

Director of Programs and Life Navigation

CrossRoads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development
04.2022 - Current

Director, YouthBuild USA

Grace Mar Services, Inc.
08.2019 - 04.2022

Financial Center Manager III, AVP

Fifth Third Bank
01.2011 - 08.2019

Branch Manager, VP

Chase Bank
07.2004 - 01.2011

Bachelor of Arts (BA) -

Antioch University McGregor

AIB Small Business Banking Certification -

American Institute of Banking

Registered Notary Public -